Where To Stay In Naxos – 2024 Areas & Best Hotels In Naxos
Are you looking for where to stay in Naxos?
The tantalising natural beauty of the island’s golden beaches and crystal, azure waters, ancient monuments, charming Cycladic architecture and authentic traditional villages is what inspires travellers to visit the island of Naxos.
Naxos is the biggest island in the Cyclades, yet it is the least explored and the quietest island compared to its more famous sister islands – Mykonos and Santorini.
This post is a comprehensive guide to where to stay on Naxos and the best hotels in Naxos island for all budgets.
🚀 Where To Stay In Naxos – Quick Guide
If you don’t have much time, here are the best places to stay in Naxos:
CHORA NAXOS
Chora is the port town & the best place to stay in Naxos for first-timers. Chora has a great range of affordable accommodation, lively nightlife, good restaurant choices and it’s well linked with the rest of the island with regular public transport.
Book your stay at the #1 hotel in Chora – Naxian Horizon
AGIOS GEORGIOS
Situated within walking distance of Chora, its nightlife and monuments, Agios Georgios offers the best of both worlds – the beach and the city. It is the best area to stay in Naxos for beach lovers and also first-time travellers to the island.
Book your stay at the #1 hotel in Agios Georgios – Naxos Hotel Poseidon
AGIA ANNA
The charming town of Agia Anna is located 7 km south of Chora, and it is way more relaxed and chilled. It boasts a beautiful beach and it is also within walking distance to the expansive Agios Procopios beach.
Stay at the #1 beach hotel in Agia Anna – Iria Beach Art
PLAKA BEACH
Plaka beach is one of the best places in Naxos to stay with family. The beach is quiet, and the sea shallow. Here, you will find a great selection of self-catering apartments, perfect for a family stay. Chora is a 20-minutes drive away.
Book your stay at the #1 hotel in Plaka – Acti Plaka Hotel Naxos
💸 Where To Stay In Naxos For Affordable Accommodation?
#1 Chora Naxos Town
BEST FOR | Travellers without a car, backpackers, budget stays, nightlife lovers, island hoppers that want to stay close to the port and Naxos first-timers.
Chora or Naxos Town is the bustling capital of the island of Naxos and its port town. Here you find all the tourist amenities such as restaurants, bars, souvenir shops, car and ATV rentals and tour operator shops.
Staying in Chora Naxos is super convenient, you get to be close to everything. For that reason, it is the best area to stay in Naxos for the first-timers.
Chora is also a great option if you’re not planning to rent a car because Chora Naxos Greece is well connected with the rest of the island by the public Naxos buses. If you stay in Naxos town, you also most likely will be able to walk to your Naxos accommodation from the ferry port, the town is that compact!
Chora is also great for finding the best cheap hotels in Naxos and for those that are only planning to stay on the island for a few days and then hop onto another Cycladic island.
Naxos town is home to the island’s most iconic landmark – Portara which is what is left after an important temple dedicated to the Greek god Apollo built in the 6th century BC. A daily morning stroll to the Portara was the highlight of my Naxos holidays.
The old town of Naxos city, perched above the port, is an excellent place to explore with many charming small shops selling handmade crafts, a few interesting museums, quaint churches and of course – the Venetian castle – Kastro.
Also, staying in Chora doesn’t mean being far away from the beach. Chora is within a 10-15 minutes walk to Agios Georgios beach which is one of the best beaches in Naxos.
THINGS TO DO IN NAXOS TOWN
Walk to the Portara the island’s icon
Get lost in the narrow alleys of the old town Kastro
Visit the castle of Naxos
Dine at the seafront marina
Shop for quality clothes and souvenirs
Explore the Archeologica Museum
Pop into the Venetian Museum
Check out the Roman Catholic Cathedral of Presentation of the Lord
Spend a day on Agios Georgios Beach
Go for a night out
Take a boat tour to Kaufonissi, Paros, Mykonos or Delos islands
BEST RESTAURANTS NAXOS TOWN
MEZE 2 | One of the best restaurants Naxos town harbour, seafood
Typografio | Best restaurant in Naxos town, the old part, traditional
Lithos | Best restaurant Naxos town, the old part, local cuisine
Recommended Hotels In Chora Naxos
Naxian Horizon – TOP PICK
Naxian Horizon is located 5 minutes walk to old town Chora and to Agios Georgios Beach. Each apartment comes with a double bed, a kitchenette with a stove, fridge, coffee machine, and a furnished balcony. Breakfast is avaiable for an extra charge.
Book your stay at this #1 hotel in Chora
Halcyon Suites and Villas Naxos – Stunning property with pool, 3.8 km from Chora
The property features a range of Cycladic suites with fully equipped kitchens. Some apartments come with a private spa, and a complimentary breakfast.
Book this luxury hotel at the best rate:
#2 Agios Georgios Beach – Best Places To Stay In Naxos For First-Timers.
BEST FOR | First-timers to Naxos, beachgoers, nightlife lovers, families.
Agios Georgios Beach is located just a few minutes walk to the capital of Naxos, Chora and it’s the perfect compromise between staying close to the shops and nightlife and being able to walk to the beach daily.
The area has a good range of best hotels on Naxos ranging from luxury to budget places. Various grocery shops, bakeries, cafes and restaurants located in this part of Naxos, ensure a convenient stay.
Agios Georgios stretches 2 km along the shore and boasts a sandy beach with shallow waters that are perfect for little children. You actually need to walk a long distance for the water to get deep enough to swim.
The area is excellent for families, which tend to prefer to stay on the northern end of the beach that also features a lifeguard. But, it is also good for friends and couples that choose chic beach clubs and bars in the southern part.
The beach has plenty of free space to come with your own towel as well as has many beach bars that offer sunbeds and umbrellas for rent as well as drink service for a more fancy beach day.
There is also plenty of beach restaurants to come back in the evening for a candle-lit dinner. Just follow a wooden decking that runs along the beach, to find the perfect dinner spot.
The southern end of the beach is excellent for windsurfing and a few surf schools offer lessons for beginners.
AGIOS GEORGIOS NAXOS TO DO
Enjoy the wide stretch of beach
Chill at Vamos Beach Bar
Learn surfing at Flisvos Sportclub
AGIOS GEORGIOS RESTAURANTS
Nissaki Restaurant since 1971 | Best restaurant in Naxos Agios Georgios Beach for a fancy dinner, beachfront
Kavouri | Traditional, family-owned, Greek food, beachfront
Oasis Restaurant | Greek food
Recommended Hotels Near Agios Georgios Beach
The Saint Vlassis Naxos – Perfect for couples!
This property is located a 10-minute walk to the beach. All rooms come with a balcony, minibar and a coffee machine & complimentary breakfast. The penthouse comes with a large terrace and a jacuzzi bathtub.
Book this luxury hotel at the best rate:
Naxos Hotel Poseidon – 100 meters from the beach
The hotel features a range of tastefully designed Cycladic suites sleeping up to 4 adults. All rooms come with a balcony, a fridge and a coffee machine while some come with a hydromassage cabin.
Book your stay at this affordable hotel:
#3 Agia Anna Naxos
BEST FOR | Affordable accommodation, relaxed vacation, couples, families, beach lovers.
Just 7 km south of Naxos Town and the port, along the western coast of the island, you’ll find the charming fishing village of Agia Anna. Naxos airport can be reached within a 7-minutes drive.
Agia Anna Greece boasts a more relaxing vibe compared to the bustling Chora without lacking in available tourist facilities such as restaurants, beach bars, cafes and rental shops.
Agia Anna is also excellent for affordable booking Naxos hotels from luxury to budget options. Agia Anna is really one of the best villages in Naxos if you don’t mind the absence of vibrant nightlife.
The town has a lovely stretch of a sandy Agia Anna beach with shallow water that is suitable for everyone to enjoy. Various beach bars and picturesque cafes line up the coast offering sunbeds and umbrellas rental and drink and food service. There is also plenty of room to bring your own towel if you prefer that.
At the end of the beach, boat cruises leave daily to the nearby Greek islands such as Kaufonissi from a small jetty.
And a short walk away from the village centre, you can find a quaint white and blue church. Walk behind it, for stunning, panoramic vistas of Agia Anna and some interesting rock formations. You can find here a secluded spot and enjoy your little, private beach for a romantic time or just a relaxing time by yourself.
Nearby, there is also a nudist beach.
When you get bored of the Agia Anna beach, 16 minutes walk from the town of Agia Anna Naxos, there is Agio Procopios Beach, which is one of the best beaches in Naxos!
In the evenings, you can dine at one of the beachfront restaurants, try the famous Paradiso Taverna for some tasty Greek food and stunning sunset views. There is also an outdoor cinema, excellent for evening entertainment.
AGIA ANNA NAXOS THINGS TO DO
Laze at Agia Anna Beach
Chill at one of the beach bars
Dine at the iconic Paradiso Taverna
Visit Sain Nicholas Church
Snap some shots at the Naxos Viewpoint
Enjoy an outdoor cinema
Take a cruise to Kaufonissi island
Visit the Archeological site of Yria
BEST AGIA ANNA RESTAURANTS
Traditional Greek Tavern Giannoulis | Best restaurant Naxos Greece for homemade food and service
Paradiso Taverna | Greek food with tables on the beach
Ostria Cafe Restaurant | Cute cafe on the beach, great food
Recommended Agia Anna Hotels
Iria Beach Art Hotel – Beachfront hotel right on Agia Anna Beach Naxos.
Located right on the beach, this property features a range of double and triple rooms. Some rooms come with a sea view and a whirlpool tub. Guests can also enjoy a complimentary breakfast, fitness centre and spa.
Book your stay at the #1 beach hotel in Agia Anna:
Sea Nymphs Suites – Attractive suites with large terraces, perfect for couples.
The property features a range of double rooms and double deluxe suites that come with a minibar, coffee machine and a large terrace.
Book this romantic hotel at the best rate:
Despina Hotel – Best budget self-catering studios.
Hotel Despina is located an 8-minute walk to Agia Anna Beach. Rooms can sleep from 2 to 4 adults and all come with a private balcony with a garden view and kitchen. Some of the rooms feature a spacious dining area.
Book a stay at the best budget hotel:
👨👩👧👦 Where To Stay In Naxos For A Family Vacation?
#4 Agios Prokopios Naxos
BEST FOR | Best place to stay in Naxos Greece for beach and nature lovers, chilled stay away from it all, family vacation with kids.
Agios Prokopios Beach Naxos is easily one of the best beaches Naxos island is so renowned for! For those, that value staying close to a beautiful, quiet beach where it’s safe to swim even for kids, this is the perfect place on the island.
Agios Prokopios Beach is sandwiched between Naxos Town and Agia Anna town with only 6 km distance to the Naxos port and 4 km to the airport of Naxos.
Agios Prokopios boasts an expansive stretch of golden sand and shallow, azure waters. There is a lifeguard on site ensuring every member of the family stays safe and has plenty of room to bring your own towel and umbrella.
There are two parts of the beach with a little different vibe. The northern end is quiet with nothing more than a beach, perfect for families and nature lovers while the southern end is packed with cute beach bars that offer sunbeds and deliver cocktails straight to your sun lounger.
Along the southern end, you can also find a range of cafes and restaurants.
The area of Agios Prokopios features an excellent Naxos accommodation choice including some incredible luxury hotels Naxos Greece. And, staying around here does not necessarily mean being completely cut off from civilisation.
When you feel bored with Agios Prokopios, you can take a stroll along the coast and visit the town of Agia Anna.
BEST AGIOS PROKOPIOS RESTAURANTS
La Trattoria | Italian food by the beach
Del Mar Cafè | Pizza, pasta, sandwiches
Symposium | Greek cuisine
Recommended Agios Prokopios Hotels
Liana Beach Hotel & Spa – TOP PICK
A range of double and triple rooms are offered to guests, all come with a balcony. Some units feature a sea view and a hot tub. Guests can enjoy complimentary breakfast, pool, gym and a spa. This hotel is perfect for couples or families.
Book your stay at the #1 beach hotel in Agios Prokopios:
Katerina Hotel Naxos – Rooms and studios with pool access.
Located a few minutes walk to Agios Prokopios beach, the property features a range of twin rooms and one-bed apartments with a kitchen and balcony. Breakfast is available at for extra charge.
Book your stay at this fabulous self-catering hotel:
Golden Bay Naxos – Best budget hotel in Agios Procopios.
Located right by the beach, the property features a range of rooms, studios and 2-bed apartments. All include a balcony and a kitchen. Free private parking, car rental and excursions arrangements are avaible.
Book your stay at the cheapest rate:
#5 Plaka Beach Naxos
BEST FOR | Plaka Beach is one of the best places to stay Naxos for a chilled family holiday and for couples that love nature and quiet time.
Situated a 20-minutes drive from Naxos port and capital Chora on the western coast, Plaka Naxos is known to be the best beach in Naxos. When you visit the island, you’ll be spoiled with superb beaches in Naxos Greece, and Naxos Plaka is certainly one of them!
Plaka Beach on Naxos is one of the unspoiled and underdeveloped beaches on Naxos, with golden sand and calm waters thanks to its sheltered location.
At its northern edge, you will find a few hotels, a couple of beach bars and sunbeds and parasol rentals. Don’t expect, loud music and a lively, party vibe though! Even this part is super quiet and perfect for a relaxing getaway in nature.
The southern end of Plaka Beach on Naxos is even less developed, with not much besides a golden beach and gentle waves washing against the shore.
In terms of accommodation, Plaka Naxos Greece has a good selection of superb luxury and mid-range hotels that cater for couples and families. Some of them have access to a private beach, while more budget hotels are set further back from the beach.
Plaka Naxos is an excellent base for exploring the mountainous villages of Naxos that will give you the authentic Cycladic island experience. If you only have one day, make sure you visit Filoti and Chalki – both extremely charming!
It is also close to Mikri Vigla Beach – the island’s kitesurfing and windsurfing paradise and a lively Maragas Beach with chic beach clubs and bars for days that you crave being more around people.
If you’re looking for where to stay in Naxos Greece with a family or a partner for relaxing Naxos holidays in nature and away from the crowds, Plaka – one of the best beaches Naxos is famous for, is ideal!
THINGS TO DO NAXOS PLAKA
Enjoy the stunning Plaka Beach
Have a drink at Earth Bar
Visit Maragas Beach Naxos
Explore the villages of Filoti and Chalki
Take a day trip to Mikri Vigla Naxos
Take a bus to Chora
PLAKA NAXOS RESTAURANTS
Tohu Beach Bar Restaurant | Boho vibe with simple, tasty food
Voula Restaurant | Seafood and Mediterranean home-made cuisine
Eart Bar | Excellent cocktails and food
Best Plaka Naxos Hotels
Nikos & Maria Studios – Romantic deluxe suites with jacuzzi & 2-bed apartments for families.
A minute walk to Maragas Beach, this fabulous property offers a range of suites, bar, restaurant, free airport shuttle and a breakfast for an extra charge.
Book your stay at the #1 hotel in Plaka:
Acti Plaka Hotel Naxos – Studios & family apartments with kitchen.
Acti Plaka is located just a few steps away from Plaka Beach and a couple of beach bars and a nearby bus stop. It features studios and two-bed apartments. All come with a balcony with a sea view and a kitchenette.
Book your stay at this fantastic hotel at the cheapest rate:
👑 Where To Stay For Luxury Hotels In Naxos?
#6 Stelida Naxos
BEST FOR | One of the best places to stay in Naxos Greece for Luxury seekers, adult-only stays, romantic getaways, relaxing holidays away from it all.
Situated between the two most popular places to stay in Naxos Greece – Naxos Town and Agios Prokopios Beach, Stelida Naxos is a new area that features the best luxury hotels in Naxos island. Naxos Stelida is a convenient 10-minutes drive to Chora Naxos port and a 5-minutes drive to Naxos airport.
The village of Stelida is a super quiet location with a selection of luxurious hotels perched on a hill and a few places to eat, mostly hotel restaurants.
Stelida, however, is near one of Naxos best beaches – Agios Prokopios, which can be reached in 15-minutes on foot. Within a short drive, you can also access Agios Prokopios restaurants and beach bars.
And, a little further down the coast, the charming village of Agia Anna offers even more facilities. If you’re travelling with a family, there is also a small waterpark called Aqua Fun.
THINGS TO DO
Chill by the pool and enjoy hotel service
Laze on Agios Prokopios Beach
Have a fun day at Aqua Fun
Visit Agia Anna
Go on a night out to Chora
BEST RESTAURANTS
Stelida Restaurant | Excellent Greek Food
Avali | Greek food & seafood with a stunning view
Recommended Hotels in Stelida
Here are the best and most luxurious Stelida Naxos hotels:
Naxian Utopia Luxury Villas & Suites – Luxury villas with private pool.
Located a 12-minute walk to Agios Prokopios beach and restaurants, this 5-star hotel boasts excellent facilities (gym, spa, restaurant), elegant rooms and villas, and complimentary breakfast.
Book your stay at this top-rated luxury hotel at the best rate:
Kouros Art Hotel – Adult-Only Stelida Hotel with fantastic facilities.
The property features a pool, hot tub area boasting panoramic views. Guests can enjoy complimentary breakfast, a bar area and a superb restaurant. Spa facilities, yoga and pilates classes are also available as well as dance classes & various events.
Rooms sell out quickly, so book your stay asap:
🏝️ Where To Stay On Naxos For A Remote Escape?
#7 Pyrgaki & Aliko Beach Naxos
BEST FOR | A quiet, chilled beach stay, exploring the best Naxos beaches, best of Naxos nature, couples, nature lovers.
If you’re looking for where to stay Naxos for an ultimate remote escape, the area of Alyko Beach Naxos could be a perfect choice. Set amongst lush Cedar Forest, 18 km south of Naxos Town and port, Naxos Aliko Beach boasts exceptional natural beauty.
Picture a remote golden beach framed by shallow azure waters and lush greenery. Aliko Naxo Beach is all about bringing your own picnic and a towel and spending a relaxing day away from screaming kids and blasting beach clubs music!
If this sounds like you’re cup of tea, then Aliko is your place. There are no sunbeds or beach bars on Aliko Beach, instead, you will find here a picturesque bay with a quaint church perched on one end. Aliko is the best beach Naxos for nature lovers!
If you get bored of Alyko Beach, just a few minutes stroll from Aliko Beach, you can find other stunning Naxos Greece Beaches, perfect for exploring or relaxing.
There is Hawaii Beach Naxos, just across the cedar forest to the south with the iconic cliffs. Between Hawaii Beach and Aliko Beach, check also out the ruins of an abandoned hotel, covered with colourful graffiti.
And, if you prefer to rent out sunbeds and have drinks service for the day, a 12-minutes walk to the east you can find Pyrgaki Beach Naxos. Pyrgaki area has also a couple of tavernas and water sports rental including jetski, SUP boards, kayaks and banana boating.
A short drive north from Hawaii Naxos, there is also Glyfada Beach Naxos popular with windsurfing and kitesurfing.
THINGS TO DO
Enjoy the quiet Aliko Beach
Visit Hawaii Beach
Rent out a sunbed for the day at Pyrgaki
Try SUP or kayaking at Pyrgaki
Snap some photos at the Chapel of Agios Georgios
Explore the shore and the cedar forest
Learn kitesurfing at Glyfada Beach
BEST RESTAURANTS ALIKO
Kotaki Tavern | Homemade traditional Greek food, beach views (Pyrgaki Beach)
Taverna | (Pyrgaki Beach) Traditional Greek food
Lighthouse of Aliko | location, near Faros Villas, Greek food
Recommended Hotels Near Aliko & Pyrgaki
Finikas Hotel Naxos – Suites with jacuzzi, spa & gym access.
Finikas Naxos offers sea-view suites that can sleep 2-4 adults. Guests can enjoy a pool with a bar, private beach area & a complimentary breakfast. The property also features a wellness centre including a hammam, a hot tub, a sauna & a gym.
Book your stay at this top-rated beach hotel at the best rate:
Psili Ammos Studios – Best budget studios with kitchen, by Pyrgaki beach.
Available studios can sleep 2-4 adults and all come with a kitchen and a balcony. Psili Ammos feature a traditional restaurant with a sea view.
Book the most affordable hotel here:
#8 Apollonas Naxos
BEST FOR | Best area to stay in Naxos Greece for quirky, off-grid holiday, complete off the beaten track.
If the off-beaten track is the definition of your perfect holiday, perhaps the quaint village of Apollonas will suit you the most. Apollonas is located on the northern coast of the island, 36 km away from Chora. Because the drive takes around an hour, the village of Apollonas largely remains under the radar of mainstream tourism on Naxos.
Apollonas served as a fishing village and a port from where the Naxian marble was exported. Today, the village is a sleepy place with a few tavernas, a limited number of guesthouses and rooms for rent and a small, sandy beach.
The most famous attraction is a half-finished, almost 11 meters tall statue dating back to the 6th century BC. The archaeologists believe, the statue is probably representing Dionysus. You can find the Kouros Statue of Apollonas near the village entrance.
The village is far away from pretty much all the other best places and things to do in Naxos island, and if you’re planning to explore the island, Apollonas may not be for you. But, if you’re after a remote, non-touristy village, consider Apollonas.
THINGS TO DO
Check out Apollonas Kouros statue
Visit church of Agios Ioannis Prodromos
Visit Tower of Ayia
BEST RESTAURANTS
Nikos Tavern | Excellent food (Greek & seafood) with a sea view
Apollon | Traditional Greek food with a rich menu
Kalimera Grill | Souvlaki dishes
Recommended Hotels In Apollonas
White House Apollon Naxos – Large apartments with jacuzzi.
The property, situated a short walk from the beach, features 2-bed apartments that can sleep up to 6 adults, equipped with a kitchen and a balcony, free parking, BBQ facilities and sun terrace.
Book your stay at the White House:
Flora’s Apartments – Best budget property for families or couples.
All apartments feature 1 bedroom, a living room, a balcony with a sea view and a kitchen and are located located 100 meters from Apollonas Beach Naxos.
Book the most affordable stay in Apollonas:
🪂 Best Place To Stay In Naxos For Windsurfing & Kitesurfing
#9 Mikri Vigla Naxos
BEST FOR | Kite & windsurfers and learners, nature and beach lovers, explorers, off-beaten track holiday.
A 25 minutes drive down the western coast of Naxos from Chora, Mikri Vigla Beach attracts kites and windsurfers with world-class wind conditions. If you’re arriving on the plane, Naxos airport is 8 km away from Naxos Mikri Vigla.
Mikri Vigla is a small town that caters for an increasing number of kitesurfing enthusiasts with a few good accommodation options, a small range of tavernas and cafes.
There are two main beaches in Mikri Vigla – the northern beach – the best beach in Naxos Greece for kite and windsurfing due to its strong north wind, and the southern beach which is calm, perfect for non-surfers that enjoy sun lounging and swimming.
If you’ve never surfed before, know that learning kitesurfing is one of the best things to do in Naxos, and Mikri Vigla is the perfect place!
Even if you don’t surf, Mikri Vigla Naxos may be a perfect town to base yourself in. The town is only a minutes drive to some of the most stunning Naxos Greece beaches such as unspoiled Plaka Beach, north of the town, and Glyfada which is also great for windsurfing, Hawaii, Aliko and Pyrgaki which are calm beaches perfect for swimming and relaxing away from the crowds and noisy beach clubs.
And, if you love exploring some of the more authentic Cycladic villages hidden away in the middle of the island, Mikri Vigla is also a great base. Two of the most charming villages, you have to visit are Chalki and Filoti.
THINGS TO DO
Take wind or kite surfing lessons
Take a day trip to one of the stunning beaches
Visit Chalki & Filoti
BEST RESTAURANTS NAXOS GREECE MIKRI VIGLA
Victoria Cafe | Excellent for breakfast and lunch
Naxian Gastronom | Simple Greek food
Taverna Axiotissa | Traditional, Greek cuisine
Best Places To Stay Naxos Mikri Vigla
Apricot and Sea Luxury Villas – Studios & villas with pool near Orkos & Plaka Beach.
A range of studios and villas is available at the property. All come with a fully equipped kitchen and a balcony, some villas feature a private pool & a sea view.
Book your stay at the best hotel in Mikri Vigla:
Joanna Apartxments – Budget apartments with kitchen 2 km from Mikri Vigla southern bay.
The property offers 1 or 2 bedroom apartments with a kitchen and a balcony featuring a sea view, free parking and paid car rental. There is a range of tavernas within a short walk.
Book the most affordable stay in Mikri Vigla:
⛪ Where To Stay On Naxos For The Authentic Experience?
#10 Halki Naxos
BEST FOR | One of the best places to stay Naxos Greece for explorers, authentic experience seekers, local live vibe, outdoor lovers, hikers.
Set in the very heart of Naxos island, Halki also spelt Chalki Naxos (or Chalkio Naxos) is a charming, small village with the authentic Cycladic vibe. Halki Naxos is located, a 25-minutes drive (16 km distance) from port Naxos and also 16 km from the island’s airport.
Despite being a bit of a hidden gem, Halki offers many interesting Naxos Greece things to do and exciting places to see, so if you don’t mind not staying close to a beach, Halki town may be a super unique alternative.
Chalki Naxos village boasts many excellent bars, cafes and traditional local tavernas hidden in the network of its narrow alleys. The best thing to do in Halki is to order freshly squeezed orange juice, sit, people watch and absorb all the cuteness!
Don’t forget to try the village speciality – loukoumades, which are sweet, puffy pastries served with cinnamon, chocolate sauce or ice cream!
For all the culture enthusiasts, Halki is home to an excellent art gallery – Fish & Olive and an interesting Folklore Museum. Not to mention, all the quaint Byzantine churches waiting to be explored by you!
Halki also has some excellent independent workshops – you can find here handmade textiles and jewellery, excellent items to bring back home with you as souvenirs or as a gift for your loved ones.
If you’re a photographer, make sure you have your camera fully charged and ready because Halki is packed with delightful alleys, adorable buildings and stunning nature.
The area of Halki Naxos is also famous for superb Naxos hiking trails. Some of the more popular hiking trails include a 6.5 km Circular Path to the village of Monitsia. There are also some shorter ones suitable for all levels.
And, when you feel like spending a day on the beach, Chalkio is located only 12 km from one of the best beaches on Naxos – Plaka Beach.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN NAXOS GREECE HALKI
Go on one of the historic hikes
Try loukoumades – puffy doughnuts at Liotrivi Cafe
Drink fresh orange juice at Four Tastes and people watch
Visit Aghios Georgios Diasorits Church, location
Check out Vallindras Distilerry
Visit the Folklore Museum Florios Chorianopoulos
Shop for handmade textiles and jewellery
Visit Fish & Olive Gallery
Go out for a few drinks at Kitron
Go on a day trip to Filoti
Visit Monastery Fotodoti
BEST RESTAURANTS IN NAXOS HALKI
Kitron | Citron Cocktail Bar, great for an evening drink
Halki Cafe | Great for breakfast or brunch, crepes
Four Tastes Cafe | Cute seating, fresh orange juice and home-made cakes
Liotrivi | Location, delicious loukoumades -puffy doughnuts with cinnamon, ice cream or chocolate!
Recommended Hotesl in Halki
ELaiolithos Luxury Retreat in Naxos – Eco-friendly hotel offering unique, local experience, 4 km from Halki.
A range of suites is available to guests, all equipped with a kitchen and a furnished terrace. Guests can enjoy an organic, local breakfast, a fruit basket and cooking class & access to a fruit and veggie garden.
Book your stay at the best rate:
Chrysolithos Kerami Apartments – Budget Accommodation with kitchen in Halki
The property features double rooms and 1-2 beds apartments. All units come with a kitchen and a balcony and are perfect for a self-catering stay. Guests can also enjoy a sun terrace & free private parking.
Book the most affordable stay in Halki:
#11 Filoti Naxos
BEST FOR | Explorers, authentic experience seekers, local live vibe, outdoor lovers, hikers.
Just over 2 km southeast of Halki Naxos, there is another adorable local village called Filoti Naxos. You can reach Filoti in 30 minutes, driving southeast from Chora and a similar time from the Naxos airport. The nearest beach – Plaka, is a 30-minutes drive away.
Filoti is the largest village on the Cyclades island Naxos, built on the slopes of mount Zas with some spectacular island views, traditional Cycladic architecture with sugar cube houses, quaint churches and whitewashed alleys.
The most picturesque part of Filoti is a small square, home to Panagia Filotitissa Church. From the church, head towards the main road west through the adorable alley until you get to a cute cafe with colourful chairs set on a large staircase.
The place is owned by a super friendly elderly lady and it’s called The Old Cinema (To Palio Cinema). Have a coffee here and a desert and spend a lazy afternoon chilling in the shade.
Filoti village Naxos is a great base for outdoor lovers and hikers. Some of the best hikes in Naxos start from Filoti and the choice is ample! Perhaps, the most popular hike to do in Filoti is Mount Zas trail.
Naxos Filoti is also excellent to experience the local life, spend some time in the local tavernas, talk to the Naxians and eat what they eat. And, oh boy, Filoti has an excellent choice of the local, family-owned tavernas where you can gorge on the Cycladic and Greek cuisine and eat your heart out. I’m leaving a list of the best places to eat Naxos in Filoti below.
Filoti Naxos features a small range of well-priced and privately owned apartments and villas, I can’t recommend enough adding either a stay in Filoti or Halki to your Naxos itinerary!
THINGS TO DO
Visit Church of Panagia Filotitissa
Stroll through Filoti’s whitewashed alleys & take photos
Check the gate & fountain at Barozzi Tower
Have the best food in Naxos in one of the local tavernas
Hike Mount Zas Trail
BEST RESTAURANTS IN NAXOS TOWN FILOTI
To Palio Cinema | Superb waffles, omelettes and cakes
Cavo D’oro | Homemade pizzas and live music
Nicolas Restaurant | Excellent gyros
Karra’s Corner | Greek cuisine, good veggie options
Recommended Filoti Hotels
Dreamcatcher of Zeus – TOP PICK
This guesthouse is located a 10-minutes walk to Filoti Naxos. Tastefully decorated double, triple rooms and studios are available to guests, equipped with a kitchen and a balcony, as well as car rental service and free parking.
Book your stay at this charming property at the best rate:
Giannakis Filoxenia – Apartments in the heart of Filoti.
The property is located a 5-minutes walk to Filoti old town and a range of cafes and tavernas. A range of apartments that sleep up to 4 adults is offered to guests with a balcony and a kitchen. Guests can relax in a garden or an in-house bar. Breakfast is available at an extra charge.
Book the most affordable stay in Filoti:
#12 Vivlos Naxos
BEST FOR | Explorers, authentic experience seekers, local live vibe, outdoor lovers, hikers.
Vivlos also called Tripodes is one of the bigger villages on Naxos, a 15-minutes (7 km) drive from the port of Chora and 11 minutes from the airport. Plaka Beach is also only a few minutes drive away from the village.
In the past, the pirate raids forced the inhabitants of the Plaka area into the land, and that’s how villages such as Vivlos came into existence.
Why would you want to stay in Vivlos? Well, for the living like a local experience! Plaka Beach is also only a few kilometres away from Vivlos, so this location may really work for some.
THINGS TO DO
Visit Temple of Dimitra
Visit the Church of Panagia Tripodiotissa
Check out Vivlos windmills
Visit Plaka Tower
Explore the Folklore Museum houses by an old olive windmill
Try baked goods at Artos Lagogianni
BEST RESTAURANTS IN NAXOS GREECE VIVLOS
Banikos Coffee Tavern | Non-touristy Greek food
Skoulatos Restaurant – Barbecue – Cafe | Naxian food, excellent hospitality
Recommended Hotels in Vivlos
Mandilaras Village – Stylish studios near Vivlos.
Mandilaras Village is located 1.4 km from Vivlos village centre. A range of studios equipped with a kitchen and a balcony for 2-4 adults is available to guests. Some of the units feature a sea view.
Book this highly rated accommodation at the cheapest rate:
Vivlos. Maisonette with View – 1 Bedroom Holiday Home for up to 4 adults.
Located a few minutes walk to the centre of the village, the house features 1 bedroom and a sofa bed in the lounge, 2 bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and a patio.
Book this highly rated accommodation at the cheapest rate:
🛳️ How To Get To Naxos?
Direct Flights To Naxos
The only direct way via an aeroplane to the island is Athens to Naxos flight. Several airlines serve this connection and these are Olympic, Sky Express and Aegean. Use a flights browser such as Expedia to find the cheapest or best flight.
Naxos airport is situated on the western coast of the island, an 8-minutes drive from Chora. You can hire a car, take a taxi or a bus to get to your Naxos accommodation.
How to get to Naxos from the UK?
As there is no direct flight between the UK and Naxos, you will need to fly to Athens and then go on a flight Athens to Naxos, which operate multiple times per day. You can also take a ferry to Naxos from Pireaus Port in Athens. Check the next section for more information.
Naxos Ferries
The most common way of getting to Naxos is taking a ferry either from Athens or, if you’re island hopping in the Cyclades, from another island. Several companies service the route between the Cycladic islands in Greece such as Seajets, Blue Star Naxos, and Hellenic Seaways.
If you want to save some money on the ferries that can be costly, especially if you’re island hopping, I recommend booking your fares way in advance. I always use Ferry Scanner to look for the best tickets.
If you’re planning your trip to Naxos at peak season, booking your ferry in advance makes even more sense, especially if you’re not very flexible on dates. If you book online, Ferry Scanner offers an extended free cancellation period in case your plans change.
When searching for tickets, you will also notice that slower ferries can be a lot cheaper, so if you don’t mind a 2-3 hours longer trip, booking a slower ferry can be a good way of saving some money.
Travelling on ferries is an experience in its own right! Remember to arrive early as the boarding process and loading the vehicles is swift, and boats don’t wait around and usually leave on time. Also, always check ahead of time if your ferry is scheduled to go on time.
Ferry services rely on good sea conditions, and cancellations are common, especially in September and October when there are more chances of strong winds.
Ferries to Naxos from Athens
Athens to Naxos ferry is the most popular route and the most frequent service. Ferries Athens to Naxos leaves multiple times a day from Piraeus or Rafina ports to Naxos Town. Depending on the ferry, the journey takes anything from 3 to 5 hours. For ferry schedules and prices, check Ferry Scanner.
Ferries Santorini to Naxos
A ferry Santorini Naxos is another popular route with multiple ferries scheduled daily. The trip takes from 80 minutes to 3 hours, and during summer holidays, ferries get booked out quickly, so consider booking online if you’re travelling during that time.
Ferries Mykonos to Naxos
The same applies to ferry Mykonos to Naxos. The journey takes between 35 minutes to just under 2 hours, and online booking is recommended for travels between July and August. Because the two islands are so close to each other, taking a day trip from Naxos to Mykonos is a popular form of visiting the more expensive Cycladic sister island.
Ferries from Crete to Naxos
A ferry Crete to Naxos is way less popular and less frequent. There is only one ferry from Crete to Naxos with Seajets that takes 3 hours and 30 minutes. If you’re not flexible on dates and travelling during the peak season, make sure you prebook your Crete to Naxos ferry online.
Ferries from Paros to Naxos
Ferries Paros to Naxos are frequent and the journey takes between 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the route of your ferry Paros Naxos. If you are short on time, you can also visit Paros on a day trip from Naxos if you take a fast ferry.
Ferries from Milos to Naxos
Milos island is quite far from Naxos and there is only one ferry per day with a journey time of almost 4 hours.
Ferry from Ios to Naxos
There are a few ferry services per day between Ios and Naxos. Ios is a much smaller island. It takes around 60 minutes to get there by ferry, which means you can also visit Ios on a day trip.
🛵 How To Get Around Naxos?
Car Rental Naxos
Car Rental in Naxos is super common and widely available on the island. I found that online car rental costs the same as doing it in person on arrival, and it saves you the hassle of shopping around on the island. It also makes sense to prebook the car online if you’re travelling during the peak season.
I usually use DiscoverCars to search for the best car rental option and always opt-in for the full insurance cover to save myself unpleasantries such as paying an excess fee for damages. Also, check if you need an international driving licence to drive in Greece. If you’re from one o the EU countries or the UK, you can legally drive in Greece with your country driver’s licence.
Best Car Hire Deals For Naxos
Best Naxos Tours
A great way of exploring the island is by taking an organised tour. This is a particularly good options if you don’t have enough time. Here are some of the best hand-picked Naxos excursions, Naxos boat tours and best day trips from Naxos island.
Private Food Tour in Naxos Old Town
Half-Day Private Tour of Naxos
All-Inclusive Catamaran Day Cruise & Snorkelling
All-Inclusive Boat Tour Naxos to Small Cyclades
ATV Rental Naxos
Riding an ATV vehicle is also a popular form of exploring the island. ATVs are easy and fun to drive, and they are good at riding off-road. If you’re planning to visit places like Plaka Beach, Aliko Beach, Hawaii Beach, Pyrgaki, you may want to consider getting an ATV as an alternative to a car.
I was travelling on a scooter in that area, and at times the road was very tricky with sandy, slippery surfaces.
The downside of renting an ATV is they are almost as expensive as car rental and may be unpleasant to drive in windy conditions. The prices start at €50 per day. If you decide on an ATV vehicle, make sure you rent it from a reputable dealer. Always check their reviews and get yourself insured. You may also require an international driver’s licence.
TIP | If you want to rent it for more than one day, try negotiating down the price. You may also offer a cash payment to get a better deal.
Scooter Rental Naxos
Probably the cheapest way how to get around Naxos other than the bus is renting out a scooter. Since I lived in Bali for a long time, this was my preferred way! I rented a scooter in Naxos Town for €20 a day in September and I paid cash.
You will probably need to negotiate a little and pay in cash to get a similar rate, but it’s entirely possible! Before you decide on renting a scooter, make sure you have the appropriate driving licence suitable for scooters. They actually check it in every rental shop! If you’re from the UK, a full driving licence is sufficient.
Naxos Bus System
If renting a car in Naxos is not your cup of tea, you can also travel around the island on Naxos buses. There is a private bus Naxos company that runs several lines connecting all the places worth visiting on Naxos such as Plaka Beach, Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, Glyfada, Aliko, Halki, Filoti and even Vivlos with Naxos Town and making using buses in Naxos easy.
Bus ticket prices are also very reasonable costing anything between €1.8 and €5 for a single trip. I’m leaving a link to the Naxos bus schedule below.
🤔 Naxos Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best time to visit Naxos?
Naxos experiences its peak season during July and August when the island receives the most visitors, hotel prices are at their highest and so are the daily temperatures averaging around 27 degrees Celsius.
June, September and October are the perfect months to visit Naxos island. You can expect plenty of sunshine, temperature averaging in the mid-twenties degree Celcius with seawater staying at above 20 degrees Celsius as well, which is ideal for swimming.
During this time you can also grab some good deals on accommodation and rentals and enjoy half-empty Naxos beaches.
How many days in Naxos?
Naxos is the biggest Cycladic island which is impossible to visit on a day trip. Luckily, all the most exciting things to do in Naxos and Naxos best beaches are concentrated on its western coast. To fully appreciate the island’s beauty and the best of Naxos, I recommend spending here at least 3-4 days.
Where To Stay In Naxos – Final Word
I hope you found this guide on where to stay in Naxos helpful and you’re on your way to booking your Naxos vacation. If you have any more questions, feel free to comment below, otherwise, I wish you happy travels!
Mal xxx
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